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MODEST MAMA

Thursday, January 31, 2013

We have the homeschool science fair coming up this week. Since I am the organizer, Michael is in charge of helping the kids with their projects. I have been on his case to take photos because the project boards look so nice with photos of the kids during the experiment process. While I was looking over the photos from last week I came across this one:

This so perfectly shows Malcolm's admiration for his favorite big brother Isaac. It is no secret that Malcolm ADORES Isaac. Look at the way he is leaning into him for the photo. I am sure he didn't leave his side for the entire science lesson.

Of course, it looks as though marshmallows were involved. So it may have been the marshmallows that kept his interest. But if it wasn't, then it was definitely his love for Isaac.

Friday, January 25, 2013

It's been cold here this week. A perfect time for the kids to explore their outside surroundings from the inside. We live in town, so nature study usually doesn't include wild animal, unless you count the numerous feral cats in our neighborhood.

Nature study at our house means that the kids do a nature drawing. I have found that for my boys, this is the most effective way for them to recognize the world around them. It also helps them to identify changes. I require only that they draw out the same window each time they do it. They are not required to draw the same items. They are required to include something that is not man-made in their creation. We were trying for once a month, but it is more like once a season that we actually complete this activity.

I allow the boys to choose when they complete their drawing. I don't want them to feel rushed because they want to play or something. I encourage them to take their time, but I don't require them to draw for a certain amount of time. This is completely their project, and they choose how to experience it.

Still not sure why blogger won't let me upload photos from IE 9. I have to use Firefox to load photos onto my blog. Any suggestions on this?

~~TWO~~

We had a fun day yesterday! Science co-op followed by a planning meeting that meant my kids had friends over for almost 12 hours! A few of those hours the kids were all sent to another house for dinner so the moms could make some progress on gal talk planning for next year.

~~THREE~~

My kids love the Kindle Fire. What kid wouldn't? As you can probably guess, they have pretty strict limitations to when they can play on it. To solve this problem, Margaret has started creating Kindle Fires for everyone in the house.

She's making my Kindle Fire.

Here's the game on mine. Notice the direction controls?

~~FOUR~~

It's cold here this week. Is it where you are? It hasn't gotten above 20 degrees in about five days.

~~FIVE~~

My kids are suffering the most from this cold. Not only does it limit their outside playtime, but their hands are all cracked and bleeding. I won't show pictures of it, but I will accept suggestions. Lotions don't help, we already have humidifiers and the tea kettle going almost all day. What else can be done?

~~SIX~~

I mentioned science co-op. We were covering the circulatory system. Look what we got to explore:

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Looking for a faith-based family film that teaches good values within today's teen culture? Abel's Field is about a teenage boy faced with difficult decisions and peer pressure. In this heart-warming tale, high school senior Seth must choose between right and wrong as he tries to protect his family from eviction and separation. He makes an unlikely friend with Abel, the groundskeeper at his high school. Things he took at face value begin to change and Seth is forced to decide how he is going to change his life forever.

This was an entertaining and positive look at one aspect of our culture that is often portrayed negatively: teen culture. Not all aspects of teen life are how the media shows it, and this movie does a good job of showing that. The coolest person isn't always the most popular one.

I thought this movie was a great addition to our movie library and one that I feel good about showing the kids. There was no rude humor or language, and the themes presented were not too mature for my ten year old. James enjoyed the film and even asked when we could watch it again.

I have been offered a copy of the film to give away to one of my readers. To enter leave me a comment telling me who in your family would enjoy this film. You can also go to the Facebook Page for Abel's and 'Like' the page. Leave me a comment telling me you did that for an additional entry. I will pick the winner on January 31!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use Of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising."

Margaret received this precious doll bed for her second birthday. She wasn't really a "doll" kind of girl and so the bed sat mostly unused, collecting an assortment of clothes, toys, and empty milk bottles. It was my mother's when she was a little girl, so I put it up hoping someday she would be interested in the crib. Recently while cleaning out the garage I came across the bed and brought it into the house. She is having so much fun mothering her dollies.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

We started our week with a very nice family mural on our classroom whiteboard. At least four people contributed to this work of art.

And yes, it appears as though an "Un-Named" troll has joined the crew over here at Modest Mama.

And yes, that is an empty beer bottle on the school room writing caddy. I am not sure how it got there, but I have two guesses: either I was distracted one night on my way to place the bottle in the recycling bin and forgot my original mission, or I have truly found the way to get though the hectic and noisy part of my day that is often called homeschooling. Both are very possible. Yes indeed.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Sam's Club is teaming up with Box Tops for Education to offer more ways to earn money for your school. But wait, isn't this a website for homeschoolers? Why would I care about earning money for local schools?

Regardless of how you choose to educate your child, communities are built around local schools. A strong and supportive school environment helps all those in the community, not just the kids attending classes there. Our local public school is located just a few blocks from my house, and I have several friends with children attending the school. I realize the importance of supporting our local schools, even if they are not the best fit for our family at this time.

Now you too can easily support your local schools. Sam's Club is offering between 6 and 14 Box Tops on select General Mills Brand items. Items such as Nature Valley granola bars and Honey Nut Cheerios are all qualifying items and also are big hits around my house! School lunch treats such as yogurt and fruit roll-ups are also qualifying purchases.

Interested in becoming a Sam's Club member? From now until January 31, 2013, many aspects of membership will gain you additional Box Tops. Become a Plus Member and get 100 bonus box tops. Upgrade an existing membership to Plus membership for 50 box tops.

I recently upgraded my membership to Plus and there are so many advantages! Besides getting the 50 Box Tops, I am eligible for discounts on hundreds of items throughout the store. These discounts are on top of the already discounted prices available at Sam's Club. I am also able to shop during special hours, making my shopping trips more enjoyable.Giveaway is closed!

Want to experience the savings of Sam's Club for yourself and score some Box Tops for Education for your local school? Sam's Club and General Mills gifted $25 to help me upgrade my membership and get the bonus Box Tops for Education and they are offering the same to one of my blog readers! Simply leave a comment and tell me what qualifying purchases you would make with your $25 Sam's Club Gift Card. I will have one of my boys choose the winner on January 25!

Be sure that your comment contains contact information, or another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: "Disclosure: I have received gift cards, and the information contained herein
from Sam's Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

About our family

We are a cloth diapering, God loving, homeschooling family of seven trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
Dr. Smarty Pants and Seamstress Extraordinary were married in 2001 and have five mini-Smarty Pants Extraordinaries running amuck in the foothills of Western Pennsylvania.